Laura Elizabeth Brewer, 83, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, September 29, 2022 at the Ashford Place Health Campus.

 She was born July 8, 1939 in Shelbyville, Indiana to Cassius M. Bennett and Maude Ellen (Jenkins) Bennett.

Laura served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 until 1961. She then served in the National Guard from 1974 to 1999 and specialized in Civil Services. She took care of flight operations which included taking care of the pilots and flight hours. She also assisted with the flight plans.

 She earned the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. Ms. Brewer was the first black woman to join the Shelbyville National Guard.

 She was an active member of the Second Baptist Church. At the church she was an usher and a missionary of education.

 As a child Laura enjoyed going to the Indy 500.  As she grew older she enjoyed seeing the world by visiting parks and museums. She had a love for gaining knowledge through history and education. Her greatest joy came from the times and love she shared with her family.

  Laura is survived by son, Thad Brewer (wife, Trudy), son, Kinsey R. Brewer (wife, Misty), daughter, Yvonne B. Saunders (husband, David), grandchildren; Michael Brewer, Bridgett Brewer, Domnik Saunders and Rebecca Hurley, great-grandchildren; Imari Brewer, Riley Williams, Rachel Williams, Braxton Brewer and Benjamin Wilder, sisters; Doris Henry and Marlene Terrell along with several nieces and nephews.

 She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Sherman Jenkins and Cassius George Bennett.

 Visitation will be Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 10a.m. until 1p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176.

 A Celebration of Life will start at 1p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Tony Lambert officiating.

  Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.

  Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, Stuart Parks, and Darin Schutt are honored to serve Laura’s family.

  Memorial contributions may be given to Second Baptist Church at 34 W. Hendricks St. Shelbyville, IN. 46176 or the Shelbyville Animal Shelter at 705 Hale Rd. Shelbyville, IN. 46176

  Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.